India, April 9 -- Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji has defended his reappointment to a cabinet position after his release on bail in a money-laundering case, arguing that it was part of his fundamental right to participate in public life and he cannot be "chastised" for holding a public office when he enjoys the mandate of the people.

Balaji was granted bail by the Supreme Court on September 26, 2024, after spending 15 months in jail and was inducted back into the state cabinet soon after, leading to an application filed by the victims seeking recall of his bail order. In December last year, the top court issued notice to Balaji, wondering whether his continuation in the cabinet would stand in the way of a fair trial since he occupie...